Lucky you, because it’s that time again. That time when we hook you up with fresh gear just because we love you, our loyal readers. We’re about making magazines, not merchandise, so, like many of our contests, this one’s a team effort. That’s where we pass the baton to Crons.

For those among us who believe that success at any level is deeply rooted in hard work, focus, and preparation, Crons where it’s at. Created by former Pittsburgh Panther baller Pat Cavanaugh, Crons embodies this mentality from its founder all the way down to its apparel. And why not? Cavanaugh started his collegiate career as a walk on for a talented Pitt squad and ended up not only earning a scholarship, but also becoming a two-time team captain. That’s not too shabby, and neither is the clothing line.

Basing their products and message off of a “Come Ready or Never Start” motto, Crons has been in the game for a decade and a half and has been consistently working hard during that time while motivating others to do the same. Recently, the brand proved that following this mantra truly does pay off, as they were named the official provider of apparel and uniforms for the Big South Conference.

Crons champions the “Be Ready” concept, so that when an opportunity is presented to you, it won’t be squandered. Well, here’s your shot to show us that you’re ready, because now you’ve got the opportunity to win some exclusive kicks, courtesy of Crons and designer Tyler Way. You may remember our boy T. Way from past creations for CP3 and LeBron, but now the results of his talents can be all yours. With words of inspiration artfully plastered throughout the shoes, Way has created joints that are sure to make others jealous while continuing to remind you that the sky is the limit.

All you’ve gotta do to win ‘em: submit your own story in 250 words or less, and tell us how you use that special Crons mentality to reach your basketball goals. How did you turn hate into motivation? How did you overcome adversity to become even a stronger player? What sacrifices did you make?

The very best tale wins the pair, but we’ve got five more winners that will also get hooked up. The second place package includes a hoodie and sweatpants made of 100% polyester pleated material, short and long sleeve training shirts, workout shorts and a duffel bag.

Just hit up our comment section below to tell us your story and why you should win, and remember to use a valid email address when you sign in to comment. We’ll pick winners next Thursday, Nov. 12. Good luck!

T.Way is at it again. Tyler Way, the sneaker-customizer to NBA players like LeBron James, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and the powerful Worldwide Wes has a new client to add to his list in Chris Paul.

In conjunction with Chris Paul’s Winstom-Salem Charity Weekend, which goes from Sept. 24 to 27, T.Way has customized a pair of Nike RT1’s with a CP3 theme. The shoes will be auctioned during next weekend’s event, with cash raised going to the CP3 Foundation.
Taking inspiration from Paul’s vision, heart and basketball IQ, he goes into the specifics on the shoes in this video below.

There were a lot of people surrounding LeBron James on Monday when he accepted his MVP trophy in Akron, Ohio. Tyler “T.Way” Way had the most unique connection to the King out of anyone else in the room, though.

The artistic talent behind T.Way Customs, the source of the custom sneaks on many a NBA players’ feet (check SLAM 120), Way was on hand at St. Vincent St. Mary to give LBJ a special something to go along with his MVP trophy. Check out some of his sneaker work here at his site.

As the video details, Way spent over 40 hours freehand painting the shoes before making the five-and-a-half hour drive from his western Michigan home to Akron to present the MVP with his sneaks. I caught up with T.Way Friday morning and we talked about the shoes, his trip to Akron and why he didn’t have any pics of himself with King James.

SLAM: Tell me about this shoe.T.Way: The shoe is primarily navy, it’s an Air Force 1 and it started out all white. It was inspired by the Cavs’ navy blue alternate away jersey so it kind of has a similar colorway to that. Then on the back I have all these different stats and kind of one-word descriptions of LeBron, talking about his leadership, his family, things like that. Just a lot of different inspirations of LeBron and what he means to the team and the league and every one else. Then on the outside toe is an MVP logo where instead of the V in MVP it’s LeBron doing his chalk routine. It’s a logo I made up for that.

SLAM: What’s the process like for you with this? Are you brainstorming? Is it whatever comes to mind for you with LeBron?T.Way: It’s a little bit of both. It’s hard to capture a season-long MVP campaign so that’s probably the most difficult part of doing it, just trying to capture all of that on a shoe. A lot of it was what came to mind with LeBron and what kind of player he is, kind of person he is, things like that. I guess you can say that had a lot to do with it. Then just kind of trying to bring in his overall style. The shoe is kind of clean. A little bit simple, but not overly simple. There was a lot of brainstorming and a lot of it was you make up as you go.

SLAM: Will LeBron wear the shoes, or do you think it’ll be something he keeps on the shelf?T.Way: I got them in a custom display case, wood and glass-enclosed. It’s a display shoe that he’ll put up in his office or something. When I gave them to him after the press conference, he set them next to his MVP trophy.

SLAM: A lot of people might be able to customize a shoe, but you get to interact with LeBron. How cool is that for you?T.Way: That was an awesome experience. The press conference was on Monday and I was in Grand Rapids, which is on the west side of Michigan. I was thinking Tuesday would be when they’d do the press conference, then I heard Monday when I woke up that they were doing the press conference that day so I threw everything into my car and drove five-and-a-half hours to Akron to get there on time for the press conference. It was a crazy day. Then when I was able to get to the press conference, standing next to all of the Cavs players…it was a great experience, one of those things that I’ll never forget. It’s something that I never really thought I’d be doing.

It was one of those moments where even if you do have pictures or if you don’t have pictures, you can replay the moment in your mind and it’s something you can always take with you. That’s probably the greatest thing I got out of it is that memory. I’ll be able to tell my kids I was standing next to LeBron when he got his first MVP award. It’s really special.

SLAM: You mentioned the pictures, what happened with your camera?T.Way: Yeah, actually when I was giving the shoes to LeBron, the battery died in my camera. I didn’t have a chance to charge it or anything (before leaving for Akron) but there was a guy who has some video of it so I’m going to try and get some footage from him. I got other stuff, pictures of LeBron and the shoes next to the trophy.

SLAM: As far as your custom jobs, where does this fit in?T.Way: I think Tayshaun Prince was my first one so that was kind of special in that sense. I’ve done numerous pairs for Rip (Hamilton), so that was special as well. But obviously, doing the MVP pair for LeBron, giving them to him on the day he receives the award is special. But each one is kind of unique.

SLAM: What’s next for you?T.Way: I’m working on a collaboration piece with an athletic apparel company called CRONS, which stands for Come Ready Or Never Start. And I’m doing that with Pat Cavanaugh, he used to play at Pitt. That’s something we’re working on right now. As for sneakers, I’m taking a little mini-break off of that.

SLAM: So are you rooting for LeBron? Do you think the Cavs can do this?T.Way: Yeah, there’s no reason why they can’t. They’re dominating everyone, hopeuflly they can continue to ride this streak. I’d love to see LeBron get his first championship trophy and maybe who knows, another pair of commemorative shoes for that.